Day 3 of “Cale Makar Watch” concluded at Pepsi Center on Wednesday with still no indication of Colorado’s NHL rookie-of-the-year finalist in Avalanche training camp.
The Avs designated Makar as simply “unfit” to play — under a new NHL policy made to safeguard player’s medical privacy amid the coronavirus pandemic — following a Saturday practice in which Makar skated off following the first session and didn’t return.
Makar has now missed three successive workouts, for example two scrimmages, together with the Avalanche nearing its first match back Aug. 2 in Edmonton against the St. Louis Blues.
Avs coach Jared Bednar told reporters on a Wednesday video call: “I don’t have an update on his status. ”
What’s been clear, however, is Colorado’s no will need to flex defensive depth if Makar is not able to rejoin the group once play resumes.
“I presume Cale will be healthy soon, he should be prepared to move,&rdquo Nathan MacKinnon explained, “but it’s good to have choices. ”
Makar’s role anchoring rsquo & the group;s leading unit has been awarded to defenseman Sam Girard, whose skating capacity and also skillset mirrors a lot of what makes Makar special. Girard, 22, enters the NHL resume with 34 points (four goals) and increased expectations.
“I’ve really enjoyed (Girard),” Bednar stated. “He’s return in really good form and then he ’s skating. He stands out to me at the defensive side of things, either on the offensive side and the scrimmages as a productive player. The biggest step rsquo & he;s most probably made in his advancement is his capacity to shield players. ”
The dominoes from Makar’s absence would likewise result in a shakeup on Colorado’s defensive pairings that are bottom, likely adding Kevin Connauton to the mixture. The seventh-year NHL defenseman was obtained in 2019 via trade in the Arizona Coyotes with a third-round pick in exchange for center Carl Soderberg.
Connauton played with the AHL Colorado Eagles this season outside of four Avalanche match looks. But rsquo & he;s attracted strong reviews. Mackinnon stated: ldquo;He’s a solid player, likes to leap in a great team man and the rush , which can be essential. ”
Bednar has doubts his defensemenup and down the roster, so are prepared when Makar’s absence.
“There are more choices and depth there than rsquo & individuals;Id had in years past,” Bednar stated.
MVP talkabout MacKinnon was declared as one of 3 finalists to the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s most valuable player. He downplayed the honor but recognized that “it’s fine to receive hunted by your own peers and it’s always really cool to have their esteem. ”
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Ask MacKinnon’s teammates for a direct MVP approval.
“You don’t have to mention too much once you see him perform with, ” Rantanen explained. “With the injuries this past season, we had we had a great deal of key players from the lineup. … It’s tough if you’re missing six or seven men who are in the lineup. You have to carry the group. Clearly, men did a very good job but he had been the horse.
“For surehe’s my pick to the MVP and he should win . ”
Up to now. Avalanche coaching camp 2.0 resumes Thursday with a group practice inside Pepsi Center.
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